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Chocolate Milk…The New Sports Performance Recovery Aid

After a tough cycling, swimming or distance running workout, you may crave a refreshing drink, such as water or a sports formula like Gatorade or Powerade. But there is another drink to add to the list of beverages that help your body recover from strenuous exercise: chocolate milk!

Recent research has indicated that chocolate milk is perfect for recovering from a workout. Its carbohydrate and protein content helps replenish muscles; its high water content replaces fluids and the calcium, sodium and sugar it contains helps the body retain water and regain energy.

Why chocolate milk instead of regular milk? Chocolate milk contains a higher ratio of carbohydrates to protein which is better for muscle recovery and rebuilding.

While chocolate milk has benefits for many athletes, it may be most useful for endurance athletes who need high levels of calories, carbohydrates and protein.

According to Andrea Adams RD, lead clinical dietitian at PIH Health Hospital - Downey, it is important to have a post-workout “meal” that has protein and carbohydrates within 30 to 60 minutes of vigorous exercise. That meal could be a glass of chocolate milk.

“Chocolate milk is relatively inexpensive and most of us have milk at home in our refrigerators, so adding a bit of chocolate for a post-workout refresher is fast and convenient,” says Adams.

Chocolate milk isn’t just for kids these days, it’s for serious athletes as well.

The information in Healthy Living Online is for educational purposes only. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. The reader should always consult his or her healthcare provider to determine the appropriateness of the information for their own situation, or if they have any questions regarding a medical condition or treatment plan.

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